Speech Assignment: The Demonstration Speech
The goals of your demonstration speech:
to demonstrate a process and give the audience information while using
visual aids;
to show how to do something, how something is done, how to make
something, or how something works.
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How To Make ...
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How To Fix ...
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How To Use ...
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How To Do ...
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How ... Works
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How ... Is Done, Produced or Made
Assignment: Prepare a 3-6 minute speech demonstrating a process (how to do something or how to
make something). When choosing your topic, consider your time frame, your personal skills and abilities,
and your audience. You may decide to only demonstrate part of a process in order to adjust to the time
limits (e.g., how to putt instead of how to golf, or how to shoot a free throw instead of how to play
basketball). If showing only a portion of the process, it would be wise to bring in an example of the
‘finished product’ for your audience to see (e.g. a video showing a clip of a game and how defense fits in,
or a finished example of a cake or other cooking dish).
This speech requires a visual aid. Remember all of the different types of visual aids so that you might
use more creativity. You can show charts or graphs that show the popularity of your topic, images that
show various ways to make it, videos or cartoons that show it in use, etc. In addition to your props, power
point slides that show lists of ingredients, charts, and other images are helpful.
You must use at least 3 sources for this speech. They can include interviews, cookbooks, websites
where you found tidbits and stats.
You must turn in a typed outline and bibliography before giving the speech.
The trick to this speech is preparing ‘speaking time’ during the spaces in your process that might be
tedious. For instance, notice how they offer interesting info related to the audience on cooking shows or
sports shows. You need to come up with something to say, for example, when you are stirring a mix.
This is one reason you will need to practice with your visual aids: how will you know how much speaking
time to prepare if you haven’t practiced with the visual aids. Practice will also ensure that you are
comfortable using the visual aids and that you fall within the appropriate time limits.
This speech requires a high degree of creativity, so really give it some thought.
Steps in the Demonstration Speech Process
Step 1: Choose a topic
Select a topic that can be demonstrated easily IN THE CLASSROOM. It is not possible to show
how to waterski in a classroom, but it is possible to demonstrate how to swing a bat or dribble a
basketball.
Select a topic that can be demonstrated in the time allotted. Very few things can be demonstrated
completely in 3 – 6 minutes. Consider narrowing your speech to one aspect.
Step 2: Write a basic outline.
What are the major points of the process? This will not be the final outline, but this is when you do
your basic planning.
Step 3: Do research.
Even if you think you know everything about how to do your activity, you need to provide your
audience with appropriate background information. You will also need some information to fill in
for the times when you are demonstrating, but not necessarily talking. You should fill this “dead
air time” with some interesting history, statistics, and extension information.
Step 4: Write the speech.
Maintain chronological order. Most demonstration topics require you to explain in the order that
things happen. Have an interesting attention-getter and a good conclusion.
Step 5: Make an appointment to give your speech.
This is a time-consuming set of speeches and you will have equipment to bring to school, so you
must present on your assigned day.
Step 6: Plan materials and assistance.
What do you need to have with you on the day of the speech?
What materials are available in the classroom to assist you? (tables, electronic equipment, etc)
Be sure to talk to Ms. Zummo in the class period before your speech to reserve these materials.
If you need someone to assist you, ask the person ahead of time, not in the class that day. Be
sure that your assistant will be there on your appointed day. This should be reflected in your
outline.
Prepare part of the demonstration ahead of time. You can show all the stages of a process by
preparing parts of each stage in advance. If you show how to refinish a piece of furniture, you
should have one part of it with old finish to show the removal stage, another part with the finish
already off, another with the sanding done, another with primer, and another with the new finish on it.
Step 7: Write the final outline.
This will be handed in before you give the speech. You should have two copies so you can have
one with you to give the speech.
Step 8: Practice your speech at home.
Be sure that you are talking as you demonstrate. Avoid “dead air time”.
Be sure that everyone in the audience can see you. Be prepared to move around the room if
some of the audience can’t see. Or you may ask members of the audience to stand or move to
different parts of the room.
Step 9: Present your speech!
Step 10: Clean up!
Anything left behind by you will count as point against you. Remove trash and wipe up any tables or chairs
that get messy.
How to Introduce Your Demonstration Speech Topics
Once you have decided on a demonstration speech topic, write an attractive, effective and interactive
attention getting introduction. Think about these sample introductions:
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Tell them what you are going to teach them.
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Tell them why you choose to demonstrate this topic.
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Then tell them why your listeners should know how to do it.
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Tell them that they are going to do it themselves in a couple of minutes and that the only thing
your audience have to do is follow your instructions.
Your Demonstrative Speech Outline
You've picked out a good demonstration speech topic? Present and demonstrate it to your listeners step
by step. So, outline the steps of your topic. Show the activities or moves you have to make in a logical
chronological order. Describe the details. Be clear. Don't think the audience will understand your
demonstration speech topics immediately. Conclude each step. Do the demonstration process topic
checks on the main points before you jump to the next step of this demonstrational speech topics tutorial.
Example: How To Subscribe For A Internet Newsletter
Step 1: Fill in the blanks - name, email, etc.
Step 2: Submit your request.
Step 3: Check your mailbox if you have received a confirmation email.
Just show them how to do it, step by step.
Delivery of Your Demonstration Speech
First and for all: think about the rules and time limit of the public speaking assignment. And apply these
eight public speaking speech tips for delivering your demonstration speech topics:
1. Visual aids, like objects, actual items, models or drawings can help you.
2. Include personal stories and examples to illustrate your topics for a demonstrative speech.
3. Provide each audience member materials and ingredients to practice with.
4. Insure everyone is participating.
5. Look around you and see if your audience is following you.
6. Ask yourself if someone in the audience has to assist with your demonstration.
7. Close your speech with a memorable summary or with a clear call to action.
8. Ask if there are any questions about your demonstrative speech topic ideas.